Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Ken Doherty at the Crucible on Friday (Picture: Getty Images)
Ken Doherty would rather not have to play Ronnie O’Sullivan in the World Seniors Snooker Championship, but does still feel it is a ‘treat’ to take on the Rocket at the Crucible.
The two former world champions will meet in the second round of the tournament on Friday afternoon after Doherty edged Gerard Greene in his opener on Thursday.
56-year-old Doherty first played in the World Seniors Championship in 2010, while this is O’Sullivan’s debut in the event at 50.
The seven-time world champion is eligible to play after the termination of the partnership between World Seniors Snooker and World Snooker Tour last year, which meant that any player over 40 can now play in Seniors events, irrelevant of world rankings.
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O’Sullivan is, unsurprisingly, now runaway favourite to lift the trophy on debut, although other leading professionals have taken advantage of the rule change, including Ali Carter and Stuart Bingham.
Doherty was runner-up in the World Seniors Championship in 2020 and ’24, but his chances of landing the title for the first time have now taken a huge blow.
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He accepts that there has been a change to ‘the dynamics of the tournament’ and admits he’d rather not be playing the Rocket, but understands the commercial benefit of the sport’s leading star.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is making his Seniors debut (Picture: PA Wire)
‘Listen, to have him in the tournament is obviously going to attract a lot of attention,’ Doherty told Metro. ‘It’s going to attract a lot of ticket sales, and I don’t know how much he wants to win. That’s up to himself.
‘I’d rather not play him, if I’m honest. I’d rather be playing somebody else, but it is what it is, and listen, I’m just going to go and enjoy it. I’m not expecting too much, and we’ll just see what happens.’
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Doherty and O’Sullivan first played in 1992 and most recently met on the professional tour at the International Championship in 2023.
Like most, the Irishman has lost more than he’s won against the Rocket, but has picked up some very big victories over him.
Doherty has come very close to the Seniors title before, losing 5-4 to Jimmy White in the 2020 final (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I played Ronnie in China not so long ago, but I think the last time I competed with Ronnie, that’s a long, long time ago,’ said Doherty.
‘I’ve never played him at the Crucible, all the years I’ve played him, I played him in the Masters and in the UK, and I’ve beaten him in both, but that was a long, long time ago, when I was a lot younger.
‘He’s the greatest player that’s ever played the game, and I’m just going to go and enjoy it. It would be a treat to play him at the Crucible.’
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Doherty’s win over Greene came via a black ball shootout to prosper 4-3, with the World Seniors Championship going straight to the re-spot at 3-3.
‘My heart was pumping, I know that,’ said the 1997 world champ. ‘At our age, it’s not good for the ticker! It might be good for the spectators and for the TV. No, but it was nice to get through.’
On innovations being used in the Seniors, he added: ‘I like it. I mean, it’s a harsh way to lose, but I think I can see the value in it.
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‘Actually, do you know something? I’d love to see them give the ball-in-hand for a foul as well. That would speed things up and it would make it a little bit better. But no, I really enjoy it.’
World Seniors Snooker Championship schedule
Wednesday May 6
7pm Craig Stedman 4-0 Neal Jones Tony Drago 2-4 Roger Farebrother Followed by Igor Figueiredo 4-2 Mohamed Elkhayat Reanne Evans 4-2 Aaron Canavan
Thursday May 7
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12pm Peter Lines 4-2 Anthony Hamilton Ken Doherty 4-3 Gerard Greene Followed by Jimmy White 4-1 Daniel Ward Dominic Dale 4-0 Wayne Townsend
Jimmy White is a four-time Seniors champion (Picture: Getty Images)
Round Two 7pm Robert Milkins 4-3 Jimmy White Matthew Stevens vs Dominic Dale Followed by Alfie Burden vs Igor Figueiredo Ali Carter vs Roger Farebrother
Friday May 8
12pm Stuart Bingham vs Peter Lines Nigel Bond vs Craig Steadman Followed by Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Ken Doherty Joe Perry vs Aaron Canavan
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon glides into Aquarius, forging a connection with Pluto, which intensifies friendships and connections. Set aside time for those who matter.
Aries, Taurus and Gemini, it will be difficult to hide your true feelings today. Whether it’s romance, ambitions or something more unsavoury, approach with honesty.
Energy can be infectious today, so pass on positivity. Be vocal and don’t hide your instincts.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday May 8, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Your friendships and social situation are supercharged today as the Moon glides into the friendly Aquarius and links with the potent planetary powerbroker, Pluto. This can give you a lot of incentive to connect with those who are really meaningful to you, but it can also make you much more mindful of when group politics unhelpfully complicate things.
There’s a paradox today. On one hand, as the Moon climbs into the most visible part of your chart, this may make it more difficult to disguise your emotions, and yet it’s link to the planet of secrets, Pluto, may mean that you feel more scrutinised by people. Just when you thought staying a little more low key is your preference, will you share something quite personal?
Your passion for a particular holiday destination or somewhere linked to the arts can be amplified today. Will it push you to actually make a booking? Well, it could do. You could certainly speak passionately and enthusiastically about these areas. And if you are thinking of visiting with a friend or partner, your powerful energy can prove infectious for them, too.
The influential Pluto is helping to transform your psychological understanding. As your ruler, the Moon, passes him today, the things that you’ve been working through recently can seem more vivid. Whether you’re considering long-term finances, a deep connection, decoupling from something that isn’t working, or any old control issue, they’ll be hard to ignore.
The Moon has entered the most harmonising part of your situation, but also a zodiac sign where she can be that much more outspoken, in Aquarius. As much as you may want to keep certain alliances on an even keel, her connection to the transformational Pluto may nudge you to discuss something that you may have been avoiding, but it can be positive to do so.
Metronomic routines often make you feel safe, Virgo, but for the last couple of years, a deep transforming energy has been slowly making you more aware that some kind of reset could actually be therapeutic. Be open to this, because with the disruptive Uranus in your work sector now, it may be a case of change being as good as a rest.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
If someone is on your cosmic radar, Libra, your fascination with them can get amped up quite considerably today. But with Neptune, the planet of dreams, in your sector of relating for many years to come, it’s also important to decipher, in a practical way, who would make a good match against who captivates your romantic imagination.
You have a knack for working out the politics of situations without even saying a word. But it could be around family dynamics today that there’s some complexity. This could be for the good; it could be perhaps more challenging. But if someone does tend to dominate the domestic scene, that could be what brings all this into focus.
Bright and bubbly conversations can be a major part of what makes daily life enjoyable and fun. Yet today, whether it is a discussion, a text message, or an email, your words and ideas can seem to carry that much more weight. And if you are discussing something that’s important to you, people will recognise this and appreciate your take.
That old saying about earning respect rather than demanding it comes to mind as the Moon merges with the planet of power, Pluto, in the sometimes rebellious sign of Aquarius. If you don’t feel your efforts are valued as much as they could be, you may become more outspoken. That in itself is not a bad thing, but if you push too hard, someone can resist as stubbornly.
You possess an intriguing blend of energies, Aquarius. Some people see you as very different and progressive, whilst you may see yourself as much more traditional. But today you are being given a bit of a push to have the confidence to demonstrate how you can see life in your own inimitably unique way, so why not shock and awe!
It’s said in astrology that mutable signs like yours, which have an ability to flex and evolve, can actually spend quite a lot of your time thinking about past events and people. And if someone, or some music from your distant past, comes up in your thoughts today, this could have a very evocative impact. Equally, an old talent you have could be recycled now.
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At least 15 votes have been disqualified after a printing error in Oldham
The results of at least 15 local election votes have been disqualified in Oldham following a council misprint on ballot cards. Voters in Waterhead are understood to have been given papers listing candidates from a seat around three miles away in Shaw in error.
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Concerns have been raised after the polls closed in the 2026 local elections on Thursday evening (May 7). Votes took place across the country, with seats up for grabs on 136 councils, including in all ten Greater Manchester boroughs where a third of all seats were being contested.
Elsewhere, six mayoral elections have taken place in England, and elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have also been held.
The majority of authorities will count and declare later on Friday (May 8), with the final results due on Saturday evening (May 9).
Shortly after polls closed in Oldham, it emerged that some votes have been disqualified due to a misprint on ballot cards in Waterhead. At least 15 votes have been disqualified after the candidates for Shaw were mistakenly printed instead.
In the event of a closely-run vote, it could mean the authority would be forced to call a re-vote.
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A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “We are aware of an issue affecting some ballot papers in the Waterhead ward. An investigation is underway to determine the extent.”
As of around 12am on Friday, May 8, verification is ongoing, which will determine how many ballot papers were affected by the misprint.
Overnight, results can be expected from Bolton (from 3am), Salford (from 3am), Wigan (from 2:30am), Oldham (from 5am), Stockport (from 5am), and Tameside (from 3am).
But on Thursday evening, organisers said he was being replaced by Caroline Simpson, group chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in the line-up. A spokesperson for the children’s commissioner’s office confirmed to the Press Association that Mr Burnham will not be attending the event at all.
Netflix has shared a first look at Ricky Gervais’ upcoming animated series featuring several favourites from his hit show After Life
Netflix has unveiled an exciting first glimpse at Ricky Gervais’ upcoming series, and it appears to be essential viewing for After Life enthusiasts.
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It marks the comedian’s debut series for the platform since the acclaimed dramedy finished in 2022, bringing closure to the poignantly humorous tale of bereaved journalist Tony Johnson.
This time around, Ricky is revisiting animation territory with an original animated series that’s bound to evoke nostalgia amongst fans of The Ricky Gervais Show featuring Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington.
Alley Cats is both created and directed by the Office star, who also voices the lead character – a member of a gang of stray felines, reports the Mirror.
Netflix reveals “the series follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats who seek companionship while ruminating about the struggles of everyday life”.
“From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect,” the platform’s synopsis continues.
The show also features outstanding 2D animation courtesy of award-winning British animation studio, Blink Industries (Dead End: Paranormal Park, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared).
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This week, Netflix announced the release date for the new series as Friday, 7th August, with all six episodes of the inaugural season arriving simultaneously.
Joining Ricky is an impressive roster of British talent, including several regular collaborators who’ve previously worked with him on After Life and other ventures. Tom Basden (The Ballad of Wallis Island), Andrew Brooke (PhoneShop), David Earl (Derek), Kerry Godliman (Trigger Point), Jo Hartley (Adolescence), and Diane Morgan (Motherland) round out the principal cast, all of whom have previously featured in After Life.
Natalie Cassidy (EastEnders) and Tony Way (After Life, Mandy) are also set to appear in notable supporting roles.
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A newly released image gives fans their first glimpse of the feline cast, huddled together beside some wheelie bins while gazing out across a city skyline.
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Beef.
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Netflix’s announcement has already generated considerable buzz among fans, who are eagerly anticipating the After Life cast’s return to the streaming platform.
One X user commented: “I’m laughing at this already after reading the cast.. This is going to be fun.”
“If it’s created by Ricky Gervais, I’ll give it a shot,” another responded. A further fan predicted: “Ricky Gervais doing adult animation? That cast is ridiculously stacked. Alley Cats might be the sleeper hit of August.”
Alley Cats premieres Friday, 7th August on Netflix.
A baby has tragically died after an incident at a home in south Manchester today (Thursday)
Chris Slater and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
21:32, 07 May 2026Updated 21:33, 07 May 2026
Emergency services including an air ambulance raced to a property in south Manchester where sadly a baby is confirmed to have died.
The incident unfolded this morning (Thursday) on Platt Lane, Fallowfield. Residents said the incident was “terrifying” as one said they saw a paramedic race out of a property with a baby.
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Neighbours said there was a huge presence of emergency services in the area with several ambulances and police cars at the scene, close to the junction with Yew Tree Road, reports Manchester Evening News. The air ambulance helicopter landed nearby.
One person said she saw a paramedic run out of a property with a baby. “It was terrifying,” she said. “Very scary.”
Another neighbour said: “There was a lot of police and two ambulances. I heard one of them mention a child.”
Detectives and forensic crime scene investigation (CSI) officers were seen as an investigation began.
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“I didn’t see or hear anything until a police officer knocked on my door,” a neighbour told the Manchester Evening News.
“There was one in uniform and one in plain clothes. The one in plain clothes just said there had been an incident and asked if I’d heard anything. He didn’t say any more.”
The Manchester Evening News understands a baby died at the scene. It is not yet known if the child’s death is being treated as suspicious.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics attended an incident at a private address, but declined to give further details.
Liverpool have dropped off considerably this term, however, not only failing to retain the Premier League trophy but potentially missing out on a top-four finish.
Manchester United, in contrast, are on course for a third-place finish with three games remaining after completing a double over Liverpool with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last week.
But Merson fully expects Liverpool to restore their dominance over arch-rivals Manchester United next season and believes a return to Europe could hurt United domestically.
‘Liverpool were shocking in the first half against Manchester United last Sunday,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
Manchester United are thriving under Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty)
‘When they came back into the game and made it 2-2, I was expecting them to go on and win but they ended up losing the game! I’m not worried about Liverpool next season though, I think they’ll be fine.
‘If someone asks me who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League next season, I would actually back Arne Slot’s team all day long!
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‘I say that because Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that’s a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through.
Liverpool have gone backwards under Arne Slot (Picture: Getty)
‘Let us go through their players, Senne Lammens has been good, Benjamin Sesko is now finding some form, Bruno Fernandes incredible, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are shining under Michael Carrick, while Matheus Cunha has been excellent and Bryan Mbeumo has done alright.
‘Just look at Liverpool on the other hand. The two centre-backs haven’t been good enough, Milos Kerkez has been poor, they miss Trent and haven’t covered that position well enough.
‘Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues and yet, if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points!
‘That says a lot and I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season.
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‘Lately, there has also been noise around the lack of intensity shown by this Liverpool team. But I’m not surprised by it because I believe many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup.
‘None of them want to be injured and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment.’
Manchester United will hope to continue their fine form on Saturday when they visit Sunderland, while Liverpool welcome struggling Chelsea to Anfield.
Some 120 flights from the UK this month have been cancelled, new figures show, as jet fuel prices surge and fears of shortages grow.
Aviation analytics company Cirium said airlines have axed 120 of the 22,613 departures initially scheduled from UK airports in May, equivalent to 0.53%.
The number of outbound flights planned for June is 36 lower than a week ago.
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This represents a 0.2% reduction and means capacity for the month has fallen by 7,972 seats.
However, a new joint statement from the Department for Transport, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says that there is currently “no need for passengers to change their travel plans”.
It said: “UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving.”
Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?
The statement said: “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.
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“There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.
“We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.
“We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.”
Are airlines cancelling lots of flights?
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said airlines are “assessing poor performance flights and consolidating or cancelling as required”.
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She added that UK departures to popular summer hotspots “remain unaffected” and insisted “customers can continue to book with confidence”.
The Government statement added: “While there has been media reporting on flights cancelled internationally in May, data from Cirium shows only 0.53% of the UK’s planned flights for the month have been cancelled. The majority of these UK cancellations are to and from the Middle East due to the conflict.
“This is within the range of the number of cancellations we would expect in a normal year, and we continue to monitor the situation. In previous years, we typically saw around 1% of all flights arriving or departing from the UK cancelled.”
The statement added that the UK Government was working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said summer holiday plans will not face major disruption because of the latter.
She revealed that more fuel has been imported from America, while refineries have upped their production.
The Government has also introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to group passengers from different flights together on to fewer planes to save fuel.
Alex Jenkinson has been charged with two offences of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass or cause alarm or distress
A man has been charged after allegedly threatening Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near his home on the Sandringham Estate.
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The former Duke of York was out walking his dogs when the incident in Wolferton occurred shortly after 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 6, the Telegraph reported previously.
Alex Jenkinson, aged 39, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, has been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass someone or cause alarm or distress.
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He has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen of blood in custody.
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Mr Jenkinson is in custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
In a tribute, he has been described as a “wonderful husband”
17:12, 07 May 2026Updated 17:18, 07 May 2026
Police have named the man who was killed in a fire at a hotel in Cambridgeshire. David Chawapiwa died following the fire Zaheer’s Hotel on Sunday, April 26.
A dozen fire crews were called to a fire on Station Road, Odsey, Steeple Morden, at around 9.30pm. The fatal fire also saw another person taken to hospital.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that smoke inhalation has been given as a provisional cause of death. David’s wife, Patricia has paid tribute to him, describing him as “my wonderful husband”.
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The tribute said: “In loving memory of my wonderful husband David. Of all the special gifts in life however great or small to have you as my husband was the greatest gift of all. May the wings of love blow softly and whisper in your ear.
“We love and miss you and wish that you were here. Deep in our hearts your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget. No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there. A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near in our hearts forever. Until we meet again when Jesus comes. Amen. “
Officers arrested a 44-year-old man from Hertfordshire in connection with the fire who has been bailed until June 29.
A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said at the time of the fire: “At 9.35pm on Sunday crews were called to a fire on Station Road in Odsey. Crews from Gamlingay, Cambourne, Huntingdon, Cambridge and St Neots were joined by crews from Royston, Baldock, Stevenage and Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Kempston, Biggleswade and Sandy in Bedfordshire at the scene of the fire.
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“Firefighters arrived to find a well-developed fire involving a hotel and restaurant building. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels and jets.”
Meanwhile, forecasts suggest the Scottish Tories’ recent history of defying political gravity – initially engineered by former leader Baroness Ruth Davidson – which saw them grasp the unionist vote in Scotland and sit in second place for the past decade, could be over, with Russell Findlay’s party projected to shed votes and seats.
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